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Google Data Center Coming to Nebraska

By Jason Bottlinger on May 31, 2019

As part of its $13 billion national expansion for 2019, Google has announced plans to build a data center in Nebraska. Based on certain indications, it is possible that the center may be located in the Omaha area. Google’s investment in data centers and offices across the country will create a need for thousands of new employees, along with thousands of construction jobs in Nebraska.

These additional jobs will be a boon for Nebraska’s economy. Unfortunately, along with new construction jobs comes a higher incidence of construction accidents. Injured workers can turn to an Omaha personal injury attorney at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. for the dedicated legal representation they need. Call (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Construction Workers

Construction site accidents can be catastrophic or even fatal. Under Nebraska workers’ compensation law, employers are required to provide workers’ comp insurance for construction workers who are injured on the job. However, these benefits may not be sufficient to fully cover extensive losses.

Injured construction workers in Nebraska who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits may receive:

• Total temporary disability (TTD) benefits: These benefits are paid while an employee is off work recovering from a work-related injury (except for the first seven days, unless your injury requires more than six weeks off work). TTD benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the average weekly wage, with a maximum weekly benefit and a maximum amount per year established by law.
• Partial temporary disability benefits: If you are able to work in some capacity during your recovery, but are earning less because of your work-related injury, you may be eligible for partial temporary disability. These benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the difference between your wages before your injury and what you are currently earning, subject to a cap. Partial temporary disability benefits are paid for a maximum of 300 weeks.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits: If your construction site injury caused permanent partial disability, but you are still able to work in some capacity, you may be eligible for PPD benefits. For loss of certain body parts (fingers, hands, arms, toes, and feet), workers comp pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage (subject to a cap) for a number of weeks as predetermined in a state schedule, for example, 150 weeks for loss of a foot. If you have permanent impairment of a type not listed on the schedule, you may be eligible for a body as a whole award, with benefits calculated at two-thirds the average weekly wage (subject to a maximum) for 300 weeks, less any weeks for which you have already received benefits.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits: After a construction accident injury covered by workers’ compensation, your doctor will evaluate you for permanent disability when you can no longer expect any significant improvement in your recovery. If the doctor determines that you are totally and permanently disabled, you may be eligible for weekly benefits at your total temporary disability rate for as long as you remain disabled.

In addition to the above, workers’ comp covers:

• Medical expenses related to the on-the-job injury;
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments;
• Vocational rehabilitation if you are unable to return to your normal job; and
• Death benefits for family members of workers who have been killed in construction accidents.

Third-Party Claims for Construction Injuries in Nebraska

Workers’ compensation benefits may not be enough to fully compensate seriously injured construction workers and their families. In some cases, construction accidents are caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a subcontractor or building owner. Serious construction accidents can also be caused by defective equipment that malfunctions. If a negligent third party is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to file a third-party claim for compensation, in addition to the state-mandated workers’ comp benefits you have a right to receive.

Remember, workers’ compensation will not cover any non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. If a third party is liable for your injuries, you may be entitled to claim damages including:

• Past and future medical expenses (beyond the limits of workers’ compensation)
• Lost wages and benefits not covered by workers’ comp
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (right of association and companionship with a husband or wife)

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Construction accidents are never simple cases. There are usually a number different contractors and subcontractors on a construction site, which means multiple potentially liable parties. Construction sites also contain a wide range of equipment and materials, any of which could cause injuries if safety regulations and precautions are not strictly observed.

An experienced Omaha construction injury lawyer with Bottlinger Law L.L.C. can investigate your  accident to determine cause and liability, construct a compelling case based on the facts, and fight aggressively in or out of court for the compensation you deserve. Call (402) 505-8234 for a free case evaluation.